Muktsar advanced to the semifinals of the Inter-District Cricket Tournament for the Katoch Shield on Monday, as Ludhiana was eliminated. The qualification was determined by points accumulated during the league stage after the rain-affected quarterfinal could not be completed.
Match Abandoned Due to Rain
The two-day quarterfinal, held at the GRD Academy ground, was interrupted by rain, preventing either team from finishing their first innings. Muktsar posted 296 runs in their first innings, while Ludhiana managed 211 for nine wickets, trailing by 85 runs when time ran out.
According to tournament rules, the team with more points from the league stage advanced. Muktsar had 18 points from six matches, while Ludhiana finished with 14 points from five matches.
Key Performances
Muktsar's innings was anchored by Manpreet Singh Sandhu, who scored 111 runs, and Armaan Singh Gurna, who contributed a gritty 67. Ludhiana's Gurjot Singh remained unbeaten on 72, and Armaan Walia scored 50 off 86 balls.
Earlier, Muktsar resumed from their overnight score of 143 for two and finished at 296 in 88.5 overs.
Semifinal Qualification
With this result, Muktsar secured a spot in the semifinals based on their superior league-stage performance. Ludhiana, despite a strong batting effort, could not overcome the points deficit.
